Fearing a collision with a train, Network Rail workers ushered the horny stag into Park Hill rec after it was seen on an embankment near East Croydon station.

On the hunt: The male red deer is looking for a mate because it's mating season (Image: WENN)

Council employees then locked the gates to keep the stag inside the park and erected notices warning people to stay out and to keep dogs on leads.

One sign read "A large red deer is loose in the park.

"For your safety and the welfare of the animal do not enter the park nor attempt to get close to the deer. It is a wild animal and should not be approached.

"The deer arrived safely of its own accord and in time will leave safely. We will do all we can to keep him safe."

Oh deer: People have been told not to approach the aggressive creature (Image: WENN)

Police and the RSPCA sent officers to the park, which is surrounded by busy roads and residential streets.

A spokesperson for Croydon Council said the local authority was talking to a deer farm about capturing the stag and that the park would remain shut until further notice.

Residents flocked to the gates to try to catch a glimpse of the deer.

Robert Rudman, 40, who took his four-year-old son Donovan, said "We thought we'd come and have a look. It's fascinating.

"How it got here I have no idea, but it's magnificent to see."

Stressed: The animal isn't a fan of being photographed, apparently (Image: WENN)

But the stag was getting stressed by people trying to take pictures of him, a council spokeswoman said.

The council has appealed for help to find a new home for the stag when it is captured.

Staff have contacted animal sanctuaries and deer farms as it looks to relocate the stag.

A spokeswoman said: "The red deer stag is still contained in Park Hill recreation ground, and is calm and happy.

"However, at this time of year, stags can become aggressive, so, for the safety of the public and the stag itself, the council kept the park closed over the weekend and ensured the animal had sufficient food and water.

"Enquiries are ongoing as to where the stag might have come from, but these animals do not occur naturally in this area.

Sneaking a peek: People have gathered at the park gates to try to spot the stag (Image: WENN)

"We're investigating the possibility of moving it to an animal sanctuary or other site where it could be safely released, and would ask that if anybody is able to offer the stag a home, or know of somewhere that might, they contact the council.

"Moving such a large animal will probably require it to be sedated, and the council is seeking professional advice as to whether that sort of step is necessary, and how it would be best carried out."